Interventricular Septum Hydatid Cyst: Successful Seven-Year Follow Up- Case Report

Asadollah Mirzaie1, Majid Reza Erfanian-Taghvaei2, Maryam Mirzaie3

  • 11. Dept. of Cardiac Surgery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad, Iran.

Insights

Hydatid cyst disease, a parasitic infection, can present with vague symptoms and requires consideration in endemic areas. This case highlights cardiac echinococcosis in a young patient, emphasizing its importance in differential diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Hydatid cyst disease (echinococcosis) presents with non-specific symptoms, often requiring broad differential diagnosis in endemic regions.
  • Cardiac involvement is rare, accounting for <2% of all hydatid disease cases, but should be suspected in patients with a history of the disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of primary cardiac echinococcosis in a pediatric patient.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering cardiac echinococcosis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained cardiac masses, especially in endemic areas.

Main Methods:

  • A 14-year-old male presented with right lower extremity artery occlusion.
  • Surgical exploration revealed multiple hydatid cysts in the femoral artery.
  • Echocardiography identified a mobile mass in the interventricular septum, which was surgically resected.
  • Histopathological examination confirmed a complicated hydatid cyst.

Main Results:

  • Complete surgical resection of the cardiac hydatid cyst was achieved.
  • The patient remained recurrence-free during a 7-year clinical and serological follow-up.
  • The initial presentation mimicked peripheral arterial disease due to disseminated hydatid cysts.

Conclusions:

  • Primary cardiac echinococcosis is a rare but significant consideration in endemic countries, even with initial peripheral manifestations.
  • Early diagnosis and complete surgical excision are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Long-term follow-up is essential to ensure no recurrence of hydatid disease.

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